Read on to find which iron dietary supplements carried out finest, use them safely, and who may profit from together with an iron complement of their each day routine.
For extra on iron, learn on for how to use iron supplements safely, who might benefit from an iron supplement and how to choose an iron supplement beneath…
Find out extra a couple of high-iron weight loss plan.
Why you’ll be able to belief Good Food evaluations
You can belief our evaluations as a result of each iron complement featured right here was examined by a certified nutritionist with first-hand expertise of assessing dietary merchandise. Each complement was assessed for dosage, formulation, ease of taking, style and worth for cash, alongside whether or not it met particular dietary wants similar to vegan or being free from allergens.
Our nutritionist additionally thought-about how properly every product helps iron consumption within the context of a balanced weight loss plan, drawing on scientific information to spotlight security and effectiveness. As with all Good Food evaluations, we don’t share outcomes with producers or retailers earlier than publication, and we by no means settle for fee for constructive protection. That means the suggestions you see listed below are primarily based purely on knowledgeable testing and impartial judgment.
What we seemed for in iron dietary supplements
All iron dietary supplements have been examined in opposition to the identical rigorous standards to make outcomes honest and comparable. Each product was tried and evaluated utilizing our trusted matrix format, with detailed notes recorded throughout testing. We included a wide array of codecs – from tablets and capsules to gummies, liquids and sprays – and selected merchandise at totally different worth factors to replicate a variety of budgets.
Here’s what we checked out:
- Taste and flavour: For merchandise with a flavour (similar to liquids, sprays or gummies), we famous whether or not they have been nice and simple to take everyday.
- Form of iron: We checked which type of iron was used – for instance, ferrous bisglycinate or ferrous fumarate – and thought of whether or not it was more likely to be properly absorbed and fewer liable to inflicting negative effects like abdomen upset. We additionally famous if the complement included different vitamins, similar to vitamin C, that may help absorption.
- Nutrient profile: We assessed the quantity of iron offered per each day dose and in contrast it with the nutrient reference worth (NRV), noting the place dietary supplements provided considerably kind of than beneficial.
- Additives: We examined the ingredient lists for extras similar to preservatives, synthetic sweeteners or colourings, highlighting merchandise that stored issues easy.
- Dietary necessities: Suitability for particular diets was factored in, together with whether or not a complement was vegan, vegetarian or free from frequent allergens.
- Value for cash: Finally, we in contrast every complement on a cost-per-day foundation, weighing up worth in opposition to dosage, formulation and total high quality.
Best iron dietary supplements at a look
Best iron tablets:
- Best iron complement total: Vitabright Gentle Iron Bisglycinate 28mg, £12.99
- Best iron complement for vegans: JS Health Iron+, £16.99
Best iron capsules:
- Best worth iron complement: Holland & Barrett Gentle Iron 20mg, £8.99
- Best capsule iron complement: Iron Zooki capsules, £20.49
Best iron liquid:
- Best liquid iron complement: California Gold Liquid Iron, £7.74
- Best iron complement for vegetarians: Floradix liquid iron & vitamin components, £15.75
- Best iron complement for comfort: Zooki Iron sachets, £29.99 – two week supply
- Best iron complement for feminine well being: Spatone Original, £14.99
Best iron sprays:
- Best iron complement for digestive points: HigherYou Iron 10mg Oral Spray, £14.95
Best iron gummies:
- Best chewable iron complement: Novomins – Iron Gummies, £19.99
Jump to part:
Best iron dietary supplements 2025
Best iron tablets
Vitabright Gentle Iron Bisglycinate 28mg
Available from Amazon (£8.99), Vitabright (£12.99)
Best iron complement total
Price per day: 14p
Star ranking: 4.5/5
Providing 200% of your NRV from the instructed two tablets a day, this product presents the flexibleness to scale back the dose as and when wanted. Iron is offered in a straightforward to soak up type. Our testers discovered this product straightforward to take, mild on the abdomen and wonderful worth for cash.
Available from:
JS Health Iron+
Available from JSHealth (£16.99)
Best iron complement for vegans
Price per day: 57p
Star ranking: 4/5
With iron ranges exceeding the NRV (171%), B nutritional vitamins together with folate, in addition to vitamin C this can be a good all-rounder. The easy-to-absorb type of iron is mild on the digestive system and the extra vitamins assist help vitality ranges and improve iron absorption. However, testers reported the odor of the product ‘a little off-putting’.
Available from:
Best iron capsules
Holland & Barrett Gentle Iron 20mg
Available from Holland & Barrett (£8.99)
Best worth iron complement
Price per day: 10p
Star ranking: 4.5/5
One of probably the most cost-effective of the merchandise we sampled. This product offers iron at ranges exceeding the NRV (143%) and in a straightforward to soak up type that’s mild on the abdomen.
Available from:
Iron Zooki capsules
Available from Healf (£20.49), Bodykind (£24.99)
Best capsule iron complement
Price per day: 83p
Star ranking: 3.5/5
These easy-to-swallow capsules had no aftertaste, equipped iron in extra of the NRV (143%), delivered in a liposomal type that the producers declare enhances absorption.
Available from:
Best iron liquid
California Gold Liquid Iron
Available from iHerb (£7.74)
Best liquid iron complement
Price per day: 52p
Star ranking: 4/5
Our testers preferred the style of this liquid iron and located the 1 teaspoon a day straightforward to suit into their day. Suitable for vegans, the product incorporates no components or preservatives. It provides an easy-to-absorb type of iron and was extra palatable than among the different liquid merchandise we trialled.
Available from:
Floradix liquid iron & vitamin components (250ml)
Available from Holland & Barrett (£11.61), Superdrug (£14.99), Boots (£15.75)
Best iron complement for vegetarians
Price per day: £1.04
Star ranking: 3.5/5
With natural extracts, this liquid iron is mixed with B nutritional vitamins and vitamin C to offer an all-round vitality tonic. Being a pure product, with out preservatives and components, it have to be refrigerated as soon as opened and used throughout the specified time. Our testers preferred the fragrant odor however have been much less eager on the style and flavour.
Available from:
Zooki Iron sachets
Available from Boots (£29.99 – two week supply), Holland and Barrett (£29.99 – two week supply)
Best iron complement for comfort
Price per day: 83p
Star ranking: 3.5/5
Supplied in a transportable sachet – the contents of which may be consumed in a large number of the way – our testers discovered this a handy various to tablets or capsules. With vitamin C included within the formulation, iron absorption could also be enhanced. Our testers have been divided on style concluding that if intense fruity, candy flavours are to your liking this progressive type of supplementation could also be for you.
Available from:
Spatone Original
Available from Amazon (£14.99), Holland & Barrett (£15.50)
Best iron complement for feminine well being
Price per day: 55p
Star ranking: 3.5/5
This iron-rich water presents a pure answer. Supplied in a handy single-serve sachet, the product may be taken straight or blended with juice or water. At 36% NRV, ranges have been the bottom of the merchandise we trialled, making it most fitted to sustaining iron ranges.
Available from:
Best iron sprays
HigherYou Iron 10mg Oral Spray
Available from Amazon (£8.35), Boots (£10.80), BetterYou (£14.95), Victoria Health (£14.95)
Best iron complement for digestive points
Price per day: 47p
Star ranking: 4/5
Designed to bypass the digestive system, simply 4 sprays into the internal cheek delivers 10mg of iron (71% NRV) to the bloodstream. Our testers discovered the product handy and transportable however reported blended views on the candy style and flavour.
Available from:
Best iron gummies
Novomins – Iron Gummies
Available from Amazon (£14.99), Novomins (£19.99)
Best chewable iron complement
Price per day: 33p
Star ranking: 4/5
‘Pleasant tasting, sweet flavour’ have been feedback made by our testers about this sugar-free product. Two gummies a day provide in extra of the NRV (143%) from a bio-available type of iron. While gummies are inevitably increased in components, they’re a helpful various in case you battle to take tablets or capsules.
Available from:
Why do we want iron?
Iron is necessary for making purple blood cells, these cells carry oxygen across the physique and assist maintain us energised. Iron can also be wanted for development and improvement and for making hormones. Low ranges of iron could result in iron-deficiency anaemia, nonetheless, the vast majority of us ought to be capable of get the iron we want from a diverse, balanced diet.
How much iron do I need?
This depends on your age, gender, life stage, and any health or dietary issues you might have. The Nutrient Reference Value or NRV (common beneficial each day quantity) of iron is 14mg for ladies and women of reproductive age, with decrease ranges (8.7mg) wanted for males and post-menopausal ladies.
What ought to I search for on the label?
Make certain you’re checking the quantity of ‘elemental iron’ on the product label – this determine represents the quantity of iron by itself and never when it’s mixed with one other ingredient.
If you’ve been suggested to take an iron complement test along with your GP or a pharmacist concerning the each day dose you ought to be taking, though 17mg or less per day is unlikely to trigger hurt.
How to make use of iron dietary supplements safely
Speak to your GP or a registered dietician to evaluate your want for an iron complement. This is necessary as a result of indicators of iron overload are similar to these of low ranges.
Who may profit from utilizing an iron complement?
Those most vulnerable to low iron ranges embody menstruating ladies, mums-to-be, these with a gastric illness or on a restricted weight loss plan in addition to kids who’re rising quickly.
Who shouldn’t take iron dietary supplements?
There are a lot of the reason why an iron complement could also be inappropriate these embody, however aren’t restricted to:
- If you might have one other sort of anaemia that’s not affected by iron
- Have a situation referred to as haemochromatosis
- Have a situation that impacts purple blood cells similar to sickle cell anaemia or thalassemia
- Have a abdomen ulcer or irritable bowel illness
- Are having repeated blood transfusions
Is it doable to take an excessive amount of iron?
Yes – very excessive doses may be deadly, particularly for youngsters so all the time maintain iron dietary supplements out of their attain – that is particularly related for merchandise that style good, similar to gummies.
How to decide on an iron complement
- Source correctly and purchase from a good firm.
- Choose a formulation appropriate to your age and gender.
- Check the product delivers an efficient dose – you’ll be able to test beneficial each day consumption (NRV) along with the protected higher ranges for many vitamins at hsis.org.
- Check the product carries a batch quantity and expiry date.
- Take solely as directed on the label.
Read extra well being and wellbeing product evaluations:
Best personalised vitamin checks
Zoe assessment
Best collagen dietary supplements, tried and examined
Best protein powders
Best vegan protein powders
Best protein bars
Best vegan protein bars
Best kombucha
Best meal prep containers
Best excessive protein snacks
Best wholesome cereals
Best magnesium dietary supplements
Best omega-3 dietary supplements
Best vitamin B12 dietary supplements UK
Best probiotic dietary supplements
Best pre-workout dietary supplements
Best creatine dietary supplements
Best calcium dietary supplements
Best multivitamins
Related content material:
How to get probably the most out of dietary supplements
Do dietary supplements work?
What dietary supplements ought to I take?
Five vitamins each girl wants
Iron-rich recipes
How a lot purple meat ought to I eat?
If you might have any questions, ideas for future evaluations or spot something that has modified in worth or availability, please get in contact at goodfoodwebsite@instant.co.uk.
All well being content material on goodfood.com is offered for common info solely, and shouldn’t be handled as an alternative choice to the medical recommendation of your personal physician or another healthcare skilled. If you might have any issues about your common well being, it’s best to contact your native healthcare supplier. See our web site terms and conditions for extra info.
Always maintain dietary supplements out of the attain of youngsters.
Unless in any other case acknowledged we examined merchandise accessible within the UK market and appropriate for adults.
Check the product label and elements earlier than buy to make sure it’s applicable to your particular person circumstances.
Kerry Torrens
Registered Nutritionist
